Navi Mumbai: The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has recently issued tenders for a comprehensive survey of ‘garjepoti’ houses belonging to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in Navi Mumbai.
This move comes two years after a state government notification aimed at regularising such constructions. However, the timing and execution of this survey have sparked concerns and scepticism among the PAPs, who are questioning the delay and the implications of the new initiative. CIDCO’s call for e-tenders involves the provision of geospatial services to develop the Garjepoti Scheme Information Management System (GSIMS) across 95 villages in Thane and Raigad districts. The survey, which is expected to be completed within 180 days, has a projected budget of INR 50 crore.
Approximately 50,000 PAP houses are to be surveyed under this scheme. The Garjepoti scheme, announced on February 25, 2022, addresses the concerns of PAPs whose land was acquired by CIDCO in 1970 for the development of Navi Mumbai. Originally promised 12.5% developed land in compensation, these individuals faced significant delays in land allotment, leading many to construct additional homes to accommodate their expanding families. With the passage of time, the demand for regularising these ‘need-based’ houses has remained unresolved for decades, affecting now even the third generation of PAPs.
The recent issuance of tenders has raised suspicions, particularly with upcoming assembly elections on the horizon. Critics, of the Agri Koli Youth Foundation, allege that the timing suggests a possible political motive. “There is a significant trust deficit among PAPs. CIDCO’s sudden focus on this survey, with its elaborate GSIMS nomenclature, and the decision to outsource rather than utilise its in-house capabilities, raises questions about the intent,”they stated. He further urged CIDCO to implement an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategy to clarify the purpose of the survey and to foster cooperation among PAPs.
Although CIDCO has not issued an official statement regarding the survey, an anonymous source within the corporation indicated that the final government order on regularisation is anticipated before the election code of conduct is enforced. This order is expected to address the suggestions and objections related to rented and commercial properties, with the survey data serving as a crucial input for these decisions.
